Sensor and method for encoding and detecting discrete positions

Abstract

Sensor and method for encoding and detecting a plurality of discrete positions are provided. The sensor comprises an array of electromagnetic assemblies. Each assembly may be made up of a magnet, and a flux-sensing switch electromagnetically coupable to the magnet to generate a signal having a respective logical state in response to the presence or absence of flux from the magnet. A flux mask is movably interposed between each magnet and flux-sensing switch. The flux mask includes a window array configured to pass or block flux from each magnet. The window array is further configured so that each flux-sensing switch can generate in response to whether or not flux passes therethrough, a signal set encoded to uniquely identify each of the discrete positions as the flux mask is set at any of the discrete positions.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sensor for contactiess sensing a plurality of discrete positions, the sensor comprising: 
 an array of electromagnetic assemblies, each assembly comprising: 
 a magnet; and  
 a flux-sensing switch electromagnetically coupable to the magnet to generate a signal having a respective logical state in response to the presence or absence of flux from the magnet; and  
   a flux mask movably interposed between each magnet and flux-sensing switch, the flux mask including a window array configured to pass or block flux from each magnet, the window array being further configured so that each flux-sensing switch can generate in response to whether or not flux passes therethrough a signal set encoded to uniquely identify each of the discrete positions as the flux mask is set at any of the discrete positions.    
     
     
         2 . The contactless sensor of  claim 1  wherein the window array is configured to cause a change in the switching state of each flux-sensing switch number when transitioning to at least one discrete position identified with a high level of priority.  
     
     
         3 . The contactless sensor of  claim 1  wherein the window array in the flux mask is configured to detect angular travel.  
     
     
         4 . The contactless sensor of  claim 1  wherein the window array in the flux mask is configured to detect linear travel.  
     
     
         5 . The contactless sensor of  claim 1  further comprising a controller coupled to receive the signal set encoded to uniquely identify each of the discrete positions, the processor including memory with decoding logic for determining whether the received signal set corresponds to a valid signal set for detecting a given discrete position.  
     
     
         6 . A method for encoding and detecting a plurality of discrete positions, the method comprising: 
 providing an array of electromagnetic assemblies, each assembly comprising: 
 a magnet; and  
 a flux-sensing switch electromagnetically coupable to the magnet to generate a signal having a respective logical state in response to the presence or absence of flux from the magnet; and  
   interposing a movable flux mask between each magnet and flux-sensing switch, the flux mask including a window array configured to pass or block flux from each magnet, the window array being further configured so that each flux-sensing switch can generate in response to whether or not flux passes therethrough a signal set encoded to uniquely identify each of the discrete positions as the flux mask is set at any of the discrete positions.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising configuring the window array to cause a change in the switching state of each flux-sensing switch number when transitioning to at least one discrete position identified with a high level of priority.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising configuring the window array in the flux mask to detect angular travel.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising configuring the window array in the flux mask to detect linear travel.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising processing the signal set encoded to uniquely identify each of the discrete positions to determine whether the signal set being processed corresponds to a valid signal set for detecting any given discrete position.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein determining whether the received signal set corresponds to a valid signal set comprises relating a present signal set indicative of a present discrete position to the previous signal set indicative of the previous discrete position.